The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months

How much will my baby grow?

While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 4 to 6 months of age:

Weight: average gain of 1 to 1¼ pounds each month; by 4 to 5 months has doubled birthweight

Height: average growth of ½ to 1 inch each month

Head size: average growth of about ½ inch each month

What can my baby do at this age?

This age is very social and babies begin moving in much more purposeful ways. While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your baby may reach in this age group:

What can my baby say?

It is very exciting for parents to watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others. While every baby develops speech at his or her own rate, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:

Coos and gurgles when talked to, or in response to toys

Babbles, imitates sounds

By 6 months, makes single syllable sounds (da, ma, ba)

Laughs

Squeals

Blows bubbles or "raspberries"

What does my baby understand?

A baby's awareness of people and surroundings increases during this time and he or she may begin to interact with people other than parents. While babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group:

Recognizes familiar things and people

May hold out arms to be picked up

Begins to learn concept of object permanence (such as a partially hidden object under a blanket is still there)

May show displeasure when object or person goes away

May recognize his or her own name

May begin to understand "no"

Begins to understand cause and effect (the sound a toy makes when it is dropped)

How to help increase your baby's development and emotional security

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your baby: